FFB Support Helped Dr. PaulSieving Become a Leader in theVision Science CommunityDr. Paul Sieving is a long-time vision researcher and director of the NationalEye Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health. FFB recently spokewith Dr. Sieving about his work.Q: Our understanding of retinal diseaseand the science of restoring vision isat a very promising juncture—wouldyou agree? What are the next mostimportant steps to fulfill this promise?

A: I agree. The work in stem cells, in
gene discovery and in fundamental
vector biology is coming together right now in a way that is quite
astonishing. How do we put it all together? We’re going to put it together
by having smart, creative and curious
basic scientists work together with clinical
researchers.

There are three to four key players goingforward. First are the researchers doingbasic science, as there is a lot of basic biol-ogy that must still be discovered. Second isa critical role filled by clinical researcherswho work to identify the natural historyof progression of a patient’s disease andthen to run the trials. Third are the patientsthemselves. Patients need to be partnersin these studies. As partners, the patientsneed to recognize that not all treatmenttrials will be immediately successful but togo ahead anyway.

The fourth keyelement is fundingthrough the publicand private institu-tions that supportthe research. FFB isa key player in this,and the NationalEye Institute is akey player. Both ofus working together and independentlyneed to identify the best opportunities inscience and to catalyze those opportunities.

Q: In moving the field forward, where is NEIinvesting?

A: The National Eye Institute strives to
support science that builds on decades
of research and move it forward into the
future. A key component is to take work
that has been done over the past several
decades and put it together into high risk
but high reward venture. Namely, NEI

A PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESSWINTER 2016❮ QUOTABLE ❯

>>Help end blindness. Use the enclosed envelope to make a life-changing gift.